8 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Shady Creek Recreation Area and Wildcat Den State Park Campground welcome campers with pets across their well-spaced sites. Both campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and electric hookups for RV and tent campers traveling with dogs. Leashed pets are permitted throughout the camping areas with owners responsible for waste cleanup. The campgrounds maintain a clean environment with regularly maintained toilet facilities. Sites are staggered at Shady Creek so campers aren't directly facing neighbors, allowing more privacy for those with pets. Reviewers note the large, level sites at Shady Creek are particularly accommodating for RVs with pets, though water hookups may be too distant from some sites to connect directly.
Cedar River Campground offers shoreline access ideal for dogs who enjoy water, with sites positioned along the riverbank for fishing and swimming opportunities. The nearby trails through Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area provide walking routes through bottomland forest and prairie perfect for exercising dogs. Deep Lakes Park features pet-friendly cabins that face directly onto lakes with shared fire pits and excellent shore access for dogs who like to swim. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to avoid hot surfaces that can burn paw pads. Wildlife encounters are possible throughout these areas, so keeping pets leashed protects both local animals and dogs. Sites at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area offer good spacing between neighbors, creating a peaceful environment for pets who may be anxious around other campers or animals.
"What a gem we found in Muscatine Iowa. Level poured pad for RV, electric and nice fire pits. Large sites. Clean restrooms and lots of hot water for Shower."
"We could see multiple fire works shows if we walked around the campground with the neighbors across the street putting on a pretty great "amateur" show. "
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $26 / night
"Surrounded by cornfields, rolling hills and the Mississippi River, this park is tucked neatly away in Southeast Iowa. We've been here in all four seasons and each one provides a different landscape."
"Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $25 / night
"Just off Highway 22 and runs along Mississippi River and railroad tracks. Shady sites, showers, 50 amp service, fish cleaning station, playground, and small amphitheater for naturalist programs. "
"Has playground for younger children, near Wild Cat Den State Park."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $26 / night
"Great fishing, near Fairport Fish Hatchery, and Wild Cat Den State Park."
"Located about seven miles east of Muscatine and roughly 20 miles from Davenport, this intimate 42-site campground is decidedly more about the river than resort-style recreation, with every back-in campsite"
Available this weekend
from $20 / night
"The sites are very close to each other. The sites at Riverview and Silva both seemed smaller."
"Good campgrounds with trails including equestrian options, and water! Can rent canoes, kayaks, and pontoons! Bait shop, fishing, food options with town just a few miles away."
"Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting. There are three separate campgrounds."
from $15 - $20 / night
"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
Campground full this weekend
from $35 - $50 / night
"This campground sits alongside the Mississippi River in Buffalo, Iowa. It's morning sunrises are beautiful!"
"This campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa."
from $22 - $25 / night
"There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town."
from $10 - $20 / night
"Neat, newer cabins nettled along the sand pit lakes. Well maintained park with bike trail running through, fishing, hiking, paddling all within areas of cabins."
"Cabins are newer, ADA accessible, and face lakes for great shore access and shared fire pits."
from $110 - $250 / night
ScoutClean, quiet and nice facilities but the placement of the fire rings borders on the absurd. These are obviously RV sites so there's already little expectation of privacy but they're good size and leave ample space behind your camper. The site we were on was tree-lined in the back. Perfect for a fire ring, right? Nah. Instead they're out front 5 ft from the road. I've never seen anything like it. 🥴
LegendJust minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.
The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.
A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.
Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Happy Camping!
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
Scout$25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!
LegendThe camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people and include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags;All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent-- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, boat ramp, paddling rentals, store with grill, Eco Tourism Center pontoon rides, and nature center with displays and programs.
LegendThe camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people that include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags; All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, store and grill, paddle rentals, nature center too.
LegendPark has multiple cabins. Pintail Cabin is an ADA compliant, fully accessible cabin that sleeps up to 6 people. The cabin includes a queen-size adjustable bed that raises and lowers for easy access, twin size bunk bed, a full-size sofa sleeper, table/chairs. Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, electric cook top, sink. Central Heat/AC. Bathroom has accessible roll-in shower. There is also has a large deck and an accessible picnic table and fire ring outside. Bedding, towels, and kitchen cookware and utensils are not provided. The cabin has an ADA compliant access ramp. Tents are not permitted on this site. There is a playground, boat ramp, paddle rentals, Eco Tourism Center with small store and grill, and a nature center offering programs! The Blue Heron pontoon boat offers tours on the water too!
LegendThis campground offers lots of amenities, including: gravel, pads, fire rings, firewood, on site, campground host, playgrounds, water, dump station, both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. There’s a store for Supplies, and a grill serving food. The Eco tourism center includes interactive and educational displays and programs. The marina offers slips for rent, boat rentals of canoes and kayaks. The campground can get very buggy, considering seasons in Iowa.
LegendThis campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
Muscatine County campgrounds offer accessible pet-friendly camping with diverse terrain along both the Mississippi and Cedar rivers. The area features bottomland forests, sand pit lakes, and prairie restoration areas at elevations ranging from 545 to 700 feet. Summer temperatures average 85°F with high humidity, making water access particularly valuable for dogs and their owners during camping trips.
River fishing: Access prime spots at Wildcat Den State Park Campground where anglers can catch various species. "Park has Pine Creek running through, wooded/limestone cliff trails, shelters, and campsites," notes James M., who highlights the mix of water and hiking opportunities.
Boat rentals: Try different watercraft at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve across the Mississippi in Illinois. "Can rent canoes, kayaks, and pontoons! Bait shop, fishing, food options with town just a few miles away," according to James M. Dave N. adds, "They rent kayaks, canoes, Jon boats, even pontoon boats so you can go out on Lake George."
Historical sites: Explore pioneer structures with short walks from campsites. "The park offers historical sites, a limestone bluff, and beautiful state park," says Dave M. about Wildcat Den, while James M. mentions the "historical gristmill and schoolhouse" found within the park boundaries.
Level camping pads: Appreciate stable setups at Clarks Ferry along the Mississippi. "Sites are clean and nicely spaced. The view of the river was lovely," notes Stephanie S. Michi P. adds, "Beautiful clean campground right next to the Mississippi River, lots of Maple Trees, level concrete pads."
Wildlife viewing: Watch migratory birds especially during spring and fall seasons. "Birds were migrating to the north and flying very close to the river. It was awesome to watch," explains Elida L. at Clarks Ferry, which provides excellent river vantage points for spotting eagles and waterfowl.
River views: Enjoy barge traffic from shoreline campsites at several campgrounds. Jim B. shares, "I like it because you can see the barge traffic on the river. I have camped here on more than several occasions." The commercial river activity provides entertainment not found in more remote camping areas.
Train noise: Prepare for overnight disturbances at riverfront campgrounds. "The train comes by about every hour behind the campsite and blows its horn at the two crossings adjacent to the campsite. This happened through the night," Grayson warns about Clarks Ferry. David D. confirms, "Only negative was that there is a train track real close and a lot of crossings, so you will hear a lot of close train horns and they go deep into the night/morning."
Water hookup challenges: Bring extra hose length at Shady Creek. "Water was dispersed throughout the park, but often too far for a hose to reach," explains Gary P. Barbara P. adds, "As stated water is shared by 4 sites and was 30 ft away."
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for peak season. "Make your reservations as early as you can the spots go quick! The campground even has a military spot!" advises Kimberly W. about Shady Creek, which fills quickly due to its prime Mississippi River location.
Playground access: Choose family-friendly campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There is a playground area with shelter across entry station along with a use fee boat ramp," notes James M. about Clarks Ferry, providing details about facilities beyond the campsites themselves.
Budget camping: Consider primitive options at Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground for more affordable rates. "The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River," reports Steve T., though he cautions, "bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don't."
Cabin alternative: Try lakeside accommodations for families wanting more comfort. Wendy R. says about Saulsbury Bridge, "There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town."
Site selection: Request riverside spots for the best views and breezes. "Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay," recommends Donna T. about Shady Creek.
Pad quality: Expect concrete foundations at Deep Lakes Park Cabins and other developed sites. "Cabins have hard drives, shared fire rings, very nice views from porches," reports James M., noting the quality infrastructure that makes for comfortable extended stays.
Cell service: Plan for spotty coverage in certain campgrounds. "Our cell phone provider is Sprint and we had zero service. The campground is close to Muscatine if you need to make a run but far enough out to feel like you're really camping," shares Stephanie D. about her experience at Shady Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Muscatine, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Muscatine, IA is Shady Creek with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Muscatine, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 106 dog-friendly camping locations near Muscatine, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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